Arsenal host Newcastle at the Emirates with everything still to play for in the Premier League title race. The task is simple: win out and run up the goal difference as much as possible. The Gunners are level on points (and goal difference) with Manchester City with five games remaining for each club. If both sides win out, it’ll come down to goal difference (then goals scored) to decide the title.
Today’s match against Newcastle is Arsenal’s first of two before Manchester City are next in Premier League action. The Gunners could do with two gaudy scorelines to ratchet up the pressure a bit on Pep Guardiola’s club.
The Magpies have had a season to forget. They’ve lost three straight Premier League matches off the back of getting unceremoniously bounced from the Champions League by Barcelona 8-3 on aggregate. They sit 14th in the table and are staring down the barrel of more player departures this summer. Without Champions League football, Newcastle may have to sell players to comply with PSR requirements and satisfy players who want to play European football. Both Anthony Gordon and Sandro Tonali have been linked with moves to Arsenal, among other clubs. Bruno Guimaraes may be on his way to Manchester United.
They’re still a dangerous foe, though. Arsenal needed a second half added time goal from Gabriel to beat Newcastle at St. James’ Park in September. Looking back, the match followed a familiar script. Arsenal conceded a poor goal off the back of two mistakes — a sliced clearance by Cristhian Mosquera followed by a collective falling asleep to the danger of a short corner. The Gunners dominated the ball and the chances but couldn’t find the final touch. But critically they managed the thing that has been recently missing — the late winner.
I’m optimistic Arsenal will be able to score more of those in these last five matches of the Premier League season. The Gunners played as well as they had in ages against Manchester City in that losing effort last weekend. The return of Martin Ødegaard to the starting lineup along with Kai Havertz continuing to round into form and fitness did wonders. Ebere Eze is playing well, too. Hopefully it isn’t too little, too late.
Mikel Arteta shared pretty good news on the injury front — Bukayo Saka is nearing a return from the Achilles problem that has kept him out since the international break and might even make the matchday squad today. The manager shared that the club and medical staff decided the star winger needed some time off to sufficiently heal from the persistent injury rather than continue to play through it at a noticeably reduced level. Riccardo Calafiori and Jurrien Timber may both be available for selection today, and if not today, likely for the Champions League semifinal midweek. Mikel Merino is working back from the broken bone in his foot, but it seems as if his only shot to return would be for the CL final should Arsenal make it.
Newcastle, like Arsenal, are banged up and missing important pieces. The Premier League + European football combination is brutal and takes a heavy toll on teams that make deep runs. Eddie Howe will be without Anthony Gordon, who is dealing with a hip flexor issue. Tino Livramento pulled his groin against Bournemouth and may miss the rest of the season. Fabian Schar is recovering from foot surgery. Emil Krafth is out for the season following knee surgery. Joelinton is serving the second of a two-match ban for yellow card accumulation. Bruno Guimaraes returned from an injury layoff last weekend as a substitute. It’s not clear whether he’s fit enough to start today.
WHO: Arsenal vs Newcastle UnitedWHAT: Premier League MD34WHERE: The EmiratesWHEN: Saturday, April 25th, 9:30 am PT | 12:30 pm ET | 5:30 pm GMTHOW TO WATCH: Broadcast on USA Network
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